Brew Fest sizzles with craft beers, fabulous food and live music

Fest-goers will get a tasting glass upon entering Brew Fest, which will be held from 3 to 7 on Saturday, July 8.

Nearly 50 breweries will have samples on hand for tasting at Saturday's Brew Fest, scheduled for 3 to 7 p.m. in downtown Barrington.

By Sherry Giewald

You can bring your own pretzel necklace, but otherwise, you'll find everything you need on site to enjoy the afternoon at the Barrington Brew Fest, which is being held from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 8, in downtown Barrington.

Brew Fest is an exciting event for people looking for unique craft beers, said Sue Olafson, communications development director for the Barrington Area Council on Aging (BACOA), host of the event.

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14th Annual Barrington Brew Fest

When: 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 8

Where: Downtown Barrington near Metra tracks in center of town

Taste: Craft beers from best breweries around the area

Eat: Fantastic food from prime restaurants

Entertainment: Live music by Chicagoland's premier classic rock cover band Second Time Around

"Beer aficionados can taste from nearly 50 different breweries in one place, and that is why people love to come to this event," she said. Those who buy a sampling ticket will get a program with icons for 20 3-ounce samples, which will be marked out as the samples are poured. Samples will be poured only in the official Brew Fest tasting glass provided at the gate.

Gear up for an unforgettable craft beer experience from some of the best breweries, including:

• Blue Moon

• Crispin

• Emmett's

• Angry Orchard

• Penrose Brewing Company

• Revolution Brewing

• And many others

"Also, we're thrilled to have some really good food vendors this year such as Iron Horse Barbecue, this year's tent sponsor," Olafson said. Save your appetite for fabulous food from these food vendors:

You are guaranteed a T-shirt:

Remaining T-shirts will be distributed at the gate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Know before you go

• Gate tickets are cash only.

• Only adults 21 and older invited.

• Valid state-issued ID required.

• Samples served only in official Brew Fest tasting glass.

• No smoking within the gated Brew Fest site.

• Water and soft drinks available.

• No outside beverages allowed.

• Event held rain or shine.

• Ticket sales are final.

"I think people come again and again because they know they will have a unique experience with all the craft beers out there today," Olafson said.

"There's an ease about the whole day where people can connect and engage while enjoying craft beer and good food. We're real excited about our event this year and want everyone to have a good time."

Fundraising efforts

Brew Fest is a major fundraising event for BACOA, which offers information and support for adults, families and caregivers on the journey to aging better. All proceeds will benefit the elderly with programs that include:

• Memory Café -- a socialization program for people with Alzheimer's and dementia and their caregivers.

• "A Day Out" -- respite program that provides care for people while their caregivers take a break.

• Meals with Wheels -- a hot food program for elderly unable to cook because of poor health or low income.

• Support and education groups for those struggling with everything from Alzheimer's to Parkinson's.